So about four months or so I purchased a VT-70ET, and up until a few days ago I was really enjoying it. However a few days ago I was in a friendly doubles game and hit a get-out-of-danger clear. Unfortunately the shuttle hit the top of the frame and somehow the racket broke (cleanly off, only the strings holding it together) in almost identical places at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions. I have no idea how this kind of break could happen, my only thought is that it must be a manufacturing error. What do you think I can do to receive a refund or replacement? Who do I contact? All help is appreciated, thanks in advance
Yonex warranty is 6 months from the date of purchase. I would tell the store exactly what you described to us in your post on how it broke. Hope you get a replacement soon. Keep in mind that the remainder of your warranty is not transferable to your replacement one.
Ok thanks. I guess I will have to act fast to return it within the six month warranty because I'm quite busy at the moment.
Agree with the above - as long as you didn't string it above the recommended tension as this offers a good get out clause for retailers! Speak with the retailer - 'most' are pretty good in the UK
Ha, funny you should mention this because the store I bought it at restrung it for me. I wanted to go at 25/26 lbs, but because of the 24lbs recommended tension they would only go up to 24lbs. So there is no chance they can pull that card on me.
I was just wondering if they could say anything about the fact that I have had the racket for several months now and that regularly use may have weaken the racket. I know this makes absolutely no sense, but could they say anything along these lines - to do with how long I have owned it??
No need to overthink this. If you can provide the proof of purchase and the store is willing to offer good service, they will send it back to Yonex for you without any hesitation, you have nothing to lose.
Great, I was just a bit concerned because I paid about £140/£150 for it, and I'd hate for it all to be a waste. Thanks for your help.
WOW, I hate to boast, but mine was even worse, the top of the head is now just dangling around and is only connected by the strings. BTW, I assume yours was a collision with another racket. That's the problem with these light 4U rackets, you lose a bit of strength. Also being that the VT-70ET head is one of the thinnest I have ever seen.
Your rights - if something fails within 6 months then it is up to the retailer to prove that there was no fault with the racket when it was purchased. After 6 months the burden lies with the consumer. This is enshrined in your statutory rights under the Sale of Goods act. Once it is established that the product is faulty, the retailer may offer a replacement or a repair (or in some cases a partial refund). Repairs don't really work too well on badminton rackets so they're only left with a replacement, or possibly a partial refund. Please note this is all completely separate to any manufacturer warranty. If the retailer says that Yonex declined your warranty claim, no problem: Just let them know that you hold them liable under SoGA, and that any reasonable person* would expect a £150 racket to last more than X months, and that since the product failed within 6 months the burden is on them to prove it was not faulty when sold. * this is a legal test. 'reasonableness' is part of the law. If you had bought a £5 racket then how long should it reasonable last? 6 months would surely be ok.
